Hailey Van Lith is speaking out after the Chicago Sky traded superstar Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. The former LSU teammates faced off as opponents for the first time yesterday. Van Lith admitted the move was a shock but expressed support for her friend.

In a media availability ahead of the preseason game against the Dream, Van Lith said:

"Kind of like [Elizabeth Williams said], it was something that you saw, and you're surprised by. But also, it's the nature of the business. And everyone's allowed to pursue their own personal endeavors, and our team is allowed to pursue their endeavors, and players are allowed to pursue their endeavors," Van Lith said, per an X post from Chicago State of Mind Sports.

"So it's a trade-off. And really, I hope the best for [Reese], and she deserves a place that she wants to be at, and it feels like that's a good environment for her. I'm really happy for her that she took that jump, and looking forward to competing and playing against her today," she added.

Reese and Van Lith share a history that dates back to their college days. The duo first built a strong bond under coach Kim Mulkey during Reese’s final college season. They also played together for the Chicago Sky, but only for one season.

Reese and Van Lith faced each other for the first time in their careers after Reese joined Atlanta via a trade just 22 days before the game, with the Sky sending her and a 2028 second-round pick to the Dream in exchange for 2027 and 2028 first-round picks.

But before the game even started, Reese showed nothing but gratitude upon her return to Wintrust Arena.

Angel Reese is Grateful for Her Time with the Chicago Sky

The Dream came out on top against Chicago, 87-78, in the preseason game on April 29, as the former Sky star scored a modest 8 points in 13 minutes. On the other hand, HVL could only register 5 points in 24 minutes.

“I’m just really happy to have this opportunity, where Atlanta really wanted me to come in and find ways to help them and help me. I’ve been happy every day and shown all 32 teeth every single day. I’m just really grateful.” Reese said.

Reese enjoyed a lot of success with the Sky, from All-Rookie team and back-to-back All-Star honors to leading the WNBA in rebounds. However, the Sky struggled during both seasons, unable to even enter the playoffs. Reese publicly voiced her frustrations with the team last September, which led to her getting suspended.

“I think it was just best for me to move on. I think it was helpful for both of us. I’m grateful for Chicago for putting me in a situation where I could come where I really wanted and people who really wanted me. I’m just grateful to turn the page. No love lost."

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar